I’ve heard people say things that intimate the 49ers should release Kaepernick.
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Kaepernick said that he will continue to sit during the playing of the anthem before games until “there’s significant change and I feel like that flag represents what it’s supposed to represent in this country – is representing the way that it’s supposed to”. “To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way”. People are being given paid leave for killing people.
Kaepernick added that it wasn’t something he alerted anyone from the 49ers about in advance.
He said: “I have to stand up for people that are oppressed…” I’ve seen videos, I’ve seen circumstances where men and women that have been in the military have come back and been treated unjustly by the country they fought have for, and have been murdered by the country they fought for, on our land. I’m continue to stand with the people that are being oppressed. I didn’t understand why she would talk to me in general about how I acted and behaved with police officers, making sure I’m conducting myself the right way, even if I didn’t do anything wrong.
Kaepernick’s latest protest follows in the footsteps of other athletes who have also refused to stand for the national anthem over various political and social concerns.
The 49ers and National Football League issued subsequent statements, both noting that while they encourage standing for the anthem, there are no rules against it.
This 49ers fan expressed his First Amendment right in the most awesome way: burning a Colin Kaepernick 49ers jersey to the tune of the Star-Spangled Banner.
ESPN anchor Linda Cohn tweeted that Kaepernick’s actions were “Unacceptable”.
“So me not standing for the national anthem isn’t really going to get the results that I want”. And why I felt the way I felt.
“The national anthem is and always will be a special part of the pregame ceremony”, the 49ers statement said. It is an opportunity to honor our country and reflect on the great liberties we are afforded as its citizens. I will personally defend Colin Kaepernick’s right to make whatever statement he chooses to make and stand or sit or flip the bird to the United States Flag during the national anthem.
Kaepernick has been outspoken on social media about race relations and a supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement. (Here’s the link again.) This is something Kaepernick has obviously put a lot of thought into and believes in deeply.
Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf praying during the U.S. national anthem to reject the flag as symbol of oppression against African Americans. He was benched after eight starts last season, and doesn’t appear to be on the fast track to regaining his role as starting quarterback from Blaine Gabbert – Kaepernick completed just 2 of 6 passes Friday night and generated one first down on three drives. Newly minted head coach Chip Kelly insists Kaepernick is going nowhere.
Kaepernick requested a trade in February and explored a potential deal with the Denver Broncos before both sides couldn’t agree to a restructured contract.
He is guaranteed $11.9 million this season, but his situation has inspired speculation about his short-term future with the team.
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“I think we had a better understanding of what he’s feeling and what he’s trying to say, and that we can move on and approach this in our own way, but also be knowledgeable and understand where he was coming from”, 49ers tight end Bruce Miller said.
